The Do’s and Don’ts for Online Dating

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Thinking of looking for love online? In the world of online dating, there’s a fine line between selling yourself short and just plain overselling yourself.

Dating site, eHarmony, gives us the practical do’s and don’ts of online dating that can exponentially increase your chances of long-term dating success.

Do: Play the game

Like it or not, dating is a game. In order to be successful, you’ve got to play to win. That means accepting that part of the courtship process is a chase. When you find someone whose profile catches your eye, send a flirty wink, an enticing icebreaker, or a friendly email. If that person responds, the game is on.

Don’t: Divulge too much too soon

Nobody wants to read a long-winded thesis on you and your life, either in your online profile or via those initial email exchanges. Quite honestly, it’s overwhelming and a total turnoff. That’s why it’s essential during the getting-to-know-you process to be open and friendly while still maintaining a sense of mystery.

Share enough information about yourself to excite, entice, and/or intrigue your potential match, while still leaving him or her wanting more.

Do: Represent yourself fairly

While it’s far too easy and commonplace to misrepresent yourself online (shaving off a few years from your age, exaggerating your income, showcasing decades-old photos), you’re far more likely to achieve dating success online if you’re open and honest about who you really are.

And just as you should always represent yourself fairly, expect the same in return from anyone you meet online.

Don’t: Lead someone on

If you’re not interested in someone, be honest as soon as possible. Definitely do not leave anyone hanging, waiting for an email response from you that you never intend to send. Instead, always be polite, kind, and courteous.

If someone contacts you and you’re not interested, be respectful enough to send a short, succinct, and thoughtful rejection.

Do: Initiate an in-person encounter as soon as you feel ready

Once a comfortable rapport has been established, it’s time to take your online courtship into reality, even if that means you’re the one initiating it.

To ease any anxiety about a first face-to-face date, keep things simple. Opt for an afternoon coffee date rather than dinner, drinks, or any other after-dark activity.

Don’t: Endanger your personal safety

Your personal safety should be your number one priority when it comes to dating, especially online dating. Never give away personally identifying information, and never agree to meet a complete stranger in an unknown location by yourself. If someone seems too good to be true in email, that person probably is.

Your safety and well-being are far more important than trying to please a virtual stranger by doing something that feels risky or otherwise unsafe.

What traits do you look for in your ideal partner? Read about the real qualities Aussies look for when finding love.